Friday, 22 July 2011

On Friday July 22nd, 2011 - and not on Thursday July 21st as it should have been to be "following the rules of the book and official etiquette" - the Belgian community in Jakarta (and wide surroundings) gathered for a small party, celebrating the Belgian National Day.

Ophelie and Arnaud Lion were our considerate hosts and kindly shared their home and hospitality with the community.

After a short speech by Arnaud Lion - counselor at the Belgian Embassy (left on the picture) - Ambassador Tanghe (right on the picture) and our all Randolph Wintgens (president of BLIC), everybody enjoyed some small fingerfood, a big "Belgian tricolore" cake (next to Belgian waffles and 'Dame Blanche' ice cream !), some drinks and snacks.

Some new faces showed and were welcomed : Aaron Russell (and family) and Jean-MarcVermeulen (and family) intend be amongst us for the next few years. We hope they have a pleasant and enriching stay in this beautiful country.

The atmosphere was cordial, no-nonsense "Belgian style". Flemish, French, English and some Bahasa Indonesia filled the air, mixing into "Bahasa Jakarta". All are looking forward towards the November 15th "Kings' Day" celebration.

Thursday, 14 July 2011

The Ambassador presented Indonesia's vast potentials in investment and trade sectors before Belgium's business leaders at a seminar on investment and trade that was hosted by Flanders Investment and Trade, Brussels, 8 June 2011.

During the presentation, Ambassador Arif Havas Oegroseno highlighted the rallying Indonesia's economic performance since the Asian financial crisis in 1998. He also pointed out Indonesia's resilient economy during the financial burst in 2006-2007 that was supported by the strength of Indonesia's domestic market, which in turn provides vast opportunities and potentials that need to be tapped.(source - pictures hereunder)

Friday, 8 July 2011

Our dear Belgian friends have left the Island of Flores and are on the way to Yogjakarta. Do not hesitate to visit their blog and / or subscribe to the RSS-Messages Feed / RSS Reactions Feed to keep updated on their adventures, encounters, difficulties and successes.

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Dr. Noel B. Salazar is visiting Indonesia in order to conduct an international research related to migration and tourism of Belgian people who are living and working in Indonesia. The research is supported by the Vlaams Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (1.2.210.09.N.00) and the Directoraat-generaal Onderzoek vand e Europese Commissie (PIRG03-GA-2008-230892).

The very erudite Dr Salazar (left on the picture) had an interesting and revealing meeting yesterday Monday July 4th with Arnaud Lion (counselor at the Belgian Embassy in Indonesia- right on the picture) at the Belgian Diplomatic Mission . What are the reasons for Belgians to settle down in Indonesia, how long do they usually stay, what is their profile, what are their problems, are they successful integrating and making business.

To-the-point questions that showed academic and human insight from the Doctor that were addressed in a knowledgeable and open way by Arnaud Lion, who proved to be well versed in not only managing the bureaucratic hurdles, but also in assisting the 'in-the-field' experiences, challenges and problems of the Belgian citizens in Indonesia.

The overall picture being positive and mostly leading to 'long stayers', it is clear that both Indonesian and Belgian people and authorities are - notwithstanding some administrative barriers - able to 'speak the same language' and develop a beneficial and durable cooperation.

Dr Salazar still has some time for interviews with Belgian people living in Indonesia (or Indonesian people that are able to look back on a Belgian experience) that are willing to share insights and observations. All our little bits of information will help him draw the 'big picture' of what most certainly will be a remarkable report.

Dr Salazar will also visit Yogjakarta and Bali. Would you be able to spare the time, then do not hesitate to get in contact with him or with the webmaster. An interesting, challenging talk / interview will be your reward. Contact details in the original posting or through the contact page of the blog. For the pics also visit the photo gallery.

Sunday, 3 July 2011

Almost 37,000 people took the University of Indonesia (UI)’s Simak entrance test in cities as far away as Europe on Sunday in hopes of attending one of the nation's best colleges.

“Simak UI 2011 is an entrance test for every program at UI for the vocational, regular undergraduate, [unsubsidized] parallel undergraduate, international-class undergraduate, professional, specialist and doctorate programs,” UI spokesman Vishnu Juwono said in Depok, West Java, on Saturday. (source - full story hereunder)

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